it has been one of the greatest and most difficult years of my life. I learned everything is temporary. Moments. Feelings. People. Flowers. I learned love is about giving, everything. And letting it hurt. I learned viper ability is always the right choice because it is easy to be cold in a world that makes it so very difficult to remain soft. I learned all things. One in twos. Life and death. Pain and joy. Salt and sugar. Me and you. It is the balance of the universe. It has been the year of hurting so bad but living so good. Making friends out of strangers. Making strangers out of friends. Learning mine chocolate chip ice cream will fix just about everything. And for the pains it can’t there will always be my mothers arms. We must learn to focus on warm energy. Always. Soak our limbs in it and become better lovers to the world. For if we can’t learn to be kinder to each other how will we ever learn to be kinder to the most desperate parts of ourselves. @rupikaur_ 📝 •
📸 @jeff_cardona

The OBX have always been a sanctuary for me and this morning I discovered just how much of a refuge it is for others. .
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It started with walking up a beach access to catch the sunrise. On my left was a weathered little red mailbox overlooking the beach with the message "leave a note of hope" written on the outside. Inside, a bound journal with messages of hope - from those in need and those offering it - as well as letters and drawings. .
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The entries were vulnerable, raw, and heartwarming. Notes about losing family, significant others, friends. About staying sober. Or even just fond memories of the beach and simple but meaningful messages like "if life gives limes, rearrange the letters and make it smiles." .
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I learned that the mailbox was placed at the beach in 2014 by Susan and her husband Eddie in remembrance of her mother who passed away unexpectedly. Eddie later built a large gazebo and bench adjacent to the mailbox so that people could come, sit and admire the view as they write. .
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So I did exactly that. I watched the sunrise as I shared some hope for others in the book and asked for a little in return. Thank you #littleredmailbox for a perfect morning.

Well there we go another year down... quarter century’s up next 🙈😂 thanks everyone for the birthday wishes! Scarborough definitely gave me a good morning! Now to finish the work trip and head back east side to celebrate properly 😝👌🏽🍾🎉 #21 +3 #weatheredbutworkin#beachsunrise#goodstartto24